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The Patpong Night Market and
its Red-light district is a must see for every visitor
to Bangkok. The pavement along the north side of Silom
and the long stretch of pedestrian portion of Patpong
has been converted into a night time market place. Known
as the Patpong Night Market, this is a very popular
tourist destination since it sells different kinds of
goods at cheap prices, apart from giving the tourists a
sideshow of the red-light market of Bangkok.
Patpong Night Market |
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Found in the built-up area of Silom, the Patpong
Night Market, has become a must visit tourist
destination for visitors to Thailand. The market boasts
of cheap goods, good fakes of branded products and is a
bargainer’s paradise. Dotted with the GO-GO bars, sexy
young Thai girls and the sex market workers, the place
is mostly busy and chaotic. A taste of the exotic
Bangkok sex life along with the cheapest of bargains has
made this market a favorite with tourists.
 Visitors
to the Patpong Night Market are greeted by a
combination of traditional Thai souvenirs items, fake
branded goods like clothing, bags and watches, and cheap
knick knacks right in the middle of dozens of go-go and
beer bars surrounding the place. Like most tourist
destinations, you need to bargain a lot here to finally
land a price that might actually be suitable as most of
the items are highly overpriced (sometimes up to 50%).
The market has a lively and colorful ambience though and
offers a peep into Bangkok’s famous nightlife, live on
the streets. Tourists can also sample some traditional
Thai food on the streets of this market and around the
area. Some of the best fine eateries serving Thai and
international dishes are located here. Another advantage
is the timing of this market. Tourists usually finish
their local sightseeing during the day and come down to
the market to unwind and soak in the sights and fun
ambience of the place.
The Patpong Night Market can be your ideal
destination if you are on the lookout for good fakes.
Whether it’s the latest blockbuster film DVDs, or a
Louis Vuitton or Gucci bag, even Rolex watches, you will
find it all in this great store house of replicas. You
will be surprised to see that the fakes are usually good
quality and cheap too. It is the bargaining of this
market and the clever shop keepers that you have to be
careful about.
Most tourists come here for the ambience of fun and
frenzy surrounding the market, apart from a side show of
the sex workers and several sex shows (read more about
Patpong Red-light District). Situated between the
Silom and Surawong roads, this market has acquired
popularity amongst the tourists for all kinds of
reasons.
General information
You can reach the Patpong Night Market by taking
the
BTS Skytrain, getting off at Sala Daeng station and
walking out from one of the right-hand stairs. The
market is open from around 7pm each day and is open till
the wee hours of the morning. Bargaining is a must for
anything you buy from the market. If you are not really
into fakes, you can just stroll down the market to have
a feel of the lively atmosphere and the nightlife on
display.
 Since
it’s a bustling place, be sure to wear something
comfortable and open so that you aren’t stuffed. Some of
the shop keepers can be very persistent in their sales
drive so you need to be careful of how you talk.
Basically keep an eye on your belongings, because there
may be a stray pick pocket in the bustling streets and
it would be next to impossible to get something back.
Also, be aware when entering one of the go-go bars,
especially the ones where workers on the street try to
convince you have a look. There have been many
complaints about scams and rip-offs. The rule of thumb
is always to ask for the price and extra charges and
avoid bars on the 2nd floor.
While it’s not a great experience for the quiet and
tranquil at heart, you might juts enjoy the throbbing
pulse of the place that also boasts of good eateries and
a curious peek into the lives of the people of Thailand.
The Patpong night market opens up only after normal
working hours and you will find shoppers here, well
after midnight too.
Important Remarks |
